Vulnerable identities? Examining the association between disability with risk and consequences of identity theft

Abstract

Persons with disabilities who represent the largest marginalized group in the United States, face a significant risk of violent victimization, and experience worse consequences when victimized. Yet, few works have examined whether these findings extend to forms of victimization that does not require the victim and offender converge, such as identity theft. The study seeks to determine whether 1) persons with disabilities face a greater risk of multiple forms of identity theft victimization than their counterparts, and 2) whether persons with disabilities face worse emotional and physical consequences following identity theft victimization than their counterparts. Using data from the 2021 NCVS-Identity Theft Supplement, a nationally representative sample, risk and consequences of identity theft were examined across disaggregated forms of disability. Persons with cognitive and physical disabilities faced greater risk of all forms of identity theft. Victims with cognitive disabilities experienced worse emotional and physical consequences. Findings indicate the need for evidence-based prevention policies that are tailored towards individuals with disabilities and targeted intervention strategies for individuals with cognitive disabilities.